Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Countries with Tough Visa Application

The memory of our first visit to Milan was a bit traumatic. Let me correct that, its not actually the trip that was traumatic but the process on how to get there. No one told me getting one would be like finding a needle in a haystack, worst when you're getting for the whole family. We were supposed to be in Italy for my sister's wedding. Guess what, it took us more than a month to get a permission to enter Europe, meaning we need to have Schengen Visas, worse we didn't make it to her wedding and Christmas.

That was nine years ago, when we don't have any other options.

Now things have managed to change for good, that includes applying for documents you need for traveling, studying or migrating abroad. More so, getting a visa can be a breeze, although in some cases it would still depend on your country of origin. However, there are some countries where getting a visa is complicated no matter the color of your passport.

This is why most people prefer to engage the services of immigration and visa consultancy companies such as Global Visas which know the ins and outs of the visa application process of most countries. Before you give in to the lure of cheap accommodations or decide that travel to exotic places is just the right move for you at this particular juncture, find out first what you’re getting, or not getting, into.

Here are some salient information about getting your Visa on a particular country of choice.

The visa application process differs from country to country. In some, such as Angola and Russia, the process requires a multitude of documents, such as medical tests, letters of invitation, financial sureties, educational background, or employment history. Small mistakes in the application form can mean a rejection, and in the case of Angola, approval takes a long time.

Cuba is off-limits to most Americans, especially if the passport is stamped by a Cuban Embassy. Most Americans may also be denied entry into North Korea, which doesn’t even have an embassy in the US. Getting a visa for Saudi Arabia is not difficult, but chances are if you don’t know what you are doing you are applying for the wrong kind. They have very specific visas for different types of visitors, and women especially will be subject to close scrutiny.

Iran has no embassies of its own, so visa applications are handled by other countries such as Pakistan in the US and Switzerland in Tehran. To get a visa, you must have an Iranian sponsor, and if you are not careful, you could end up in prison for any number of violations. The case for Brazil is that their visa application process can change from day to day, and there is no fixed timetable and if you are smiling in your passport photo, you can kiss your chances of approval goodbye.

It is expensive to enter China; the visa costs $140 for a single entry if you apply yourself. Additional fees apply if you send a representative, but they do process quickly. However, if your medical history indicates you have suffered from a contagious or mental disease, you will probably be denied a visa.

The US and the UK are very difficult you get a visa for because they have strict security measures in place. Even if you do get a visa, you may still be turned away if they find any reason to suspect you are not what you represent yourself to be, especially in post 9/11 US. Students are particularly given a hard time; in the UK, foreign students must have employment waiting for him or her at the end of their studies coming with a government-registered employer.

If you like to travel to other countries, getting a visa is a crucial step in the process. Most people do not have extensive experience in applying for visas, so doing it yourself is probably not going to end well for you. At the very least, you will have wasted your time and money, at the worst you could be turned away at the airport or detained. If you are considering taking the plunge, consult with professional visa assistance companies like Global Visas and avoid headaches and problems when you travel.

Global Visas has won for its clients the most difficult battles as far as visa facilitation is concerned, such as immigration to Australia. The expertise of the Global Visas team allows it to deliver the best quality service in the lodgment of spousal, fiancée, tourist and working visas. The company holds the distinct advantage of having personnel in destination countries as well as constant updating of visa regulations in these areas: the USA, Canada, UK and other parts of Europe, Australia, New Zealand and Asian territories. Visit http://www.globalvisas.com/ for more information.

this is one of the reason i never left the country .. things have gone complicated unlike before ... I rather chec for tourist visa than going there permanently .. i still love the Philippines .. the place i belong .

I am so glad I got mine from my dad without having to go through all of this stuff on my own. I've been hearing a lot about horror stories in different embassies. I would probably have no idea where to begin if I foundm yself in this situation. Thanks for the post though, very informative.

It really is hard to get a visa to other countries but our country allows most foreign nationals to enter with just a passport :/ too bad. Thanks for this informative article. I tried to apply for a visa long ago to visit a friend in Germany but it was very difficult because at first I was a student then when I was employed, they still want to make sure I had a stable job. I quit trying and now can't go because of my son :D

The only country I've been to which requires a visa is Taiwan. It was actually quite easy to get. However, I don't think it would be the same if I were to travel to Europe or the US. Will keep this in mind though. Thanks!

About Me

A foodie, a mom to four. a wife, a baker, a business owner and a friend to many!
Method to my madness:
1. Frequent visits to places I love.
2. Fill up my home with lovely memories were eating is the medium.
3. Write my mind out!
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